Jimma University Signs MoU with China’s Yangling Agricultural Zone to Drive Agricultural Innovation

Home > News > News > Jimma University Signs MoU with China’s Yangling Agricultural Zone to Drive Agricultural Innovation
Jimma University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yangling Agricultural High-Tech Industrial Demonstration Zone from Shaanxi Province, China, heralding a new chapter of international academic and scientific cooperation.
The official signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Addis Ababa, signifying the strategic importance of this partnership for Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. The event was graced by high-level delegations from both countries, underscoring the strong governmental support for this initiative.
Distinguished attendees included:
· His Excellency Mr. Kora Tushune, State Minister, MoE, Ethiopia
· Dr. Jemal Abafita, President, Jimma University
· Mr. WANG Xiao, Executive Vice Governor, Shaanxi Province
· Mr. LIU Kai, Deputy Secretary-General, Shaanxi Provincial Government
· Mr. HUANG Yong, Deputy Director-General, Shaanxi Foreign Affairs Office
· Mr. WU Zhenlei, Deputy Director-General, Shaanxi Provincial Department of Education
· Mr. WANG Jun, Deputy Secretary, Party Working Committee, Yangling Demonstration Zone
The MoU establishes a robust framework for collaboration centered on accelerating innovation in agriculture and sustainable development. The core areas of partnership include:
· Joint Research Programs: Conducting collaborative studies to address pressing agricultural challenges.
· Knowledge and Scientific Exchange: Sharing expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions.
· Capacity Building: Implementing programs to enhance the skills of professionals, researchers, and students.
· Technology Transfer: Facilitating the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies and agro-industrial innovations in Ethiopia.
· Academic Strengthening: Deepening ties to support human resource development and curriculum enhancement.
This partnership is strategically aligned with Ethiopia’s national goals for agricultural modernization and sustainable agro-industrial transformation. It aims to leverage scientific cooperation to create tangible impacts on the ground.
Dr. Jemal Abafita emphasized Jimma University’s commitment to fostering international collaboration with research and higher education institutions. This dedication aims to advance science and technology, facilitate knowledge sharing, and fulfill the university’s mission to benefit society and drive progress across various sectors.
The agreement was notably advanced through the pivotal efforts of Dr. Alemayehu Regassa Tolossa of Jimma University. His scientific visits to China in May 2024 and May 2025, where he engaged in seminars and delivered lectures, were instrumental in building the relationship that culminated in this lasting partnership.
This partnership represents a strategic milestone in Jimma University’s global engagement and internationalization efforts. It underscores the university’s commitment to enhancing research networks, promoting science-driven agricultural transformation, and contributing to global knowledge systems that foster inclusive and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.
By collaborating with international partners, Jimma University aims to enhance its impact on local communities while addressing global challenges, reinforcing its role as a leader in advancing knowledge and innovation for sustainable progress.
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